Apr. 21, 2013

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Written by

Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

When it comes to spotting elite cornerbacks in the NFL draft, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew sure sounds like he knows what he's talking about.

And he should. After all, the man played 118 NFL games at cornerback.

Two years ago, Mayhew spotted Patrick Peterson and tried to trade up eight spots to draft him. But Arizona wouldn't budge, drafted Peterson fifth overall and watched him become one of the NFL's best as an All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler.

This year's top-rated cornerback is Alabama's Dee Milliner, a speedy, well-rounded six-footer. But that may not be enough for Mayhew to draft him fifth overall.

"Well, you know, he's the elusive, big corner," Mayhew said. "Everybody's trying to find that guy. I hear people, over the years, have always said you need a corner that's big with some speed and some coverage ability who is good at the line and is a smart guy that can play nickel and play outside and maybe move into safety.

"OK, where is that guy? You know, there's like five of them in the history of the NFL, you know? He brings some of those traits to the table, I think."

So Mayhew likes Milliner. But does he love him?

Lions coach Jim Schwartz often points out that cornerback is the most injured position in the NFL. And Mayhew conceded that "you don't have those seven immediate, impact starters that change your franchise at the top of this draft."

So, with those factors, would the Lions gamble on Milliner so high in the draft?

Then there's Mayhew's own judgment of corners, which can be harsh because of his own experience.

"Yeah, probably," he said. "I mean, I've been around people that are like that and I think I may have some of those traits. I mean, you know the position inside and out. So, you look for certain things and if you don't see those things that you're looking for, that can be a factor, I think."

We have a bunch of chats for you leading up to the NFL draft this week. Click on the name to submit a question: Michael Atkinson of Boise State and Windsor (1 p.m. Monday), Darren Keyton of CMU (1 p.m. Tuesday), Latavius Murray of UCF (11 a.m. Wednesday), Joe Glendening of Hillsdale (noon Wednesday), Reid Fragel of Grosse Pointe and OSU (1 p.m. Wednesday) and Lions writer Dave Birkett (11 a.m. Thursday). Also join us for live blogs of the first three rounds.